About this project
Improve intersection access and safety with a J-turn design at Hwy 23 and Bel Clare Dr. in Waite Park, Stearns County.
Summary of work
- Install a J-turn at Bel Clare Dr.
- Close center crossover
- Add pedestrian crossing in the median
- Illustrated J-turn graphic (PNG)
The Hwy 23 intersection at Bel Claire Dr. has experienced safety concerns with the current street stop configuration. During a five-year analysis the intersection had:
9 crashes
- 6 right-angle
- 2 head-on
- 1 broadside
All MnDOT projects must include evaluation to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about MnDOT's plan to comply with the ADA
Specifics for this Hwy 23 project
- Install pedestrian crossings in the medians
J-turns have proven to reduce serious and fatal crashes caused by “T-bone” crashes at intersections. Drivers only need to focus on one direction at a time when navigating a J-turn.
How to use J-turns
- Stop and yield to vehicles in both lanes to your left
- Crossover into the lane in the median
- Yield to vehicles in both lanes to your right
- Make a U-turn and head toward your destination
- Either continue through the intersection or turn right
More tips
- Larger vehicles may use the shoulder - Longer, larger vehicles and farm machinery may use the shoulder to complete their U-turn
- Yield to oncoming traffic - When you are completing the U-turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic —and stop if necessary
- Turn right, move left - When making the right turn, cross both lanes and move into the left-turn lane in one motion
Layton Rivard
Project Development Manager
layton.rivard@state.mn.us
218-821-2528